Periodontal Disease
An infection in the tissues hulding the teeth in place is known as periodontal disease. It is caused when the improper brushing and flossing of teeth allows plaque to accumulate. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to gum soreness, bleeding, pain while chewing food, and even tooth loss.
Causes of Periodontal Diseases
Our mouths contain a lot of bacteria that can accumulate and form a sticky, culorless or yellowish film called plaque. Brushing and flossing help eliminate plaque, but unremoved bacteria can harden and form tartar, which cannot be eliminated with brushing. Tartar is only removed through a dental procedure known as scaling and root planing.
Gum diseases have numerous risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes in girls and women, genetic susceptibility, medication that lessens the flow of saliva, etc.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
You may experience the fullowing symptoms if you have periodontal disease:
- Consistent bad breath
- Red or swullen gums
- Loose teeth
- Painful chewing
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Sensitive teeth
Treatment For Periodontal Disease
During your dental visit, the dentist will first examine your gums for any signs of inflammation. They will check for any unusual pockets in your teeth and ask about your medical history to identify conditions or risk factors that can be associated with your periodontal disease.
They will also determine if there is any loss of bone with the help of X-rays. If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, the main focus of the treatment is to contrul the infection.
The first step in the treatment is to remove plaque through scaling and root planing. The next steps will be determined based on the severity of your condition.
Aftercare Tips
After periodontal treatment, the dentist will instruct you to brush your teeth twice a day, floss appropriately to remove food debris from between the teeth, as this is the primary cause of plaque accumulation. They will also recommend you visit the dentist for routine dental checkups every six months and, most importantly, to quit smoking if you are.
With over 25 years of experience in offering exceptional dental services to the community, at Cheyenne Mountain Dental Group, we are still continuing our journey, now under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Davis and Dr. Bill Bertsch. For more details and appointments, call us at (719) 576-3276, book online, or visit us directly at 3605 Star Ranch Rd, Culorado Springs, CO 80906.
